When to take the GMAT Prep

[JSP]

Hi,
I have just over a month left before I give my GMAT. I was wondering when is the best time to take the GMAT prep test. I have been taking MGMAT CAT's till now.
My GMAT is on 27 Aug.
Thanks

[StaceyKoprince]

Right around now would be a good time to take the first one! GMATPrep is great because it's made by the real test-makers, but it's also annoying because they give ZERO data. So a couple of things:

(1) Time yourself on EVERY question. Set up an easy way to do this before you start. Then, at least you'll have the timing data after.
(2) Take a screen shot of the score page when you finish the test. For some reason, the software doesn't let you go back to it after that one time.

As with any practice test, take it under 100% official conditions, including the essays, the length of breaks, etc. Make it just like the real thing - ideally, take it at the same time of day as you'll take your real test.

If you see a question you've seen before, follow a few guidelines to minimize the chance of artificially inflating your score via question repeats. First, anytime you see a problem that you remember (and this means: I know the answer or I'm pretty sure I remember the answer, not just "hmm, this looks vaguely familiar..."), immediately look at the timer and make yourself sit there for the full length of time for that question type. This way, you don't artificially give yourself more time than you should have. Second, think about whether you got this problem right the last time. If you did, get it right again this time. If you didn't, get it wrong again. If you *completely honestly* think that you would get it right this time around if it were a new question (even though you got it wrong last time) because you've studied that area and improved, then get it right this time.

Take the first one now, but make your next practice test and MGMAT test so that you can get the data. Then take the 2nd GMATPrep test (if you want to).